Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Abilene, TX covered by Aetna

I’m a warm and open minded provider who believes that everyone’s story is unique. I create a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing your challenges. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work together toward growth and healing.

Great to meet you

If you’re struggling with anxiety, overthinking, trauma, or relationship stress, you’re not alone. Many people face these challenges, and support is available to help you feel understood and less isolated.

I work with adults and adolescents who feel overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break. Many of my clients deal with high anxiety, racing thoughts, people-pleasing, and difficulty setting boundaries. Still, therapy can help you find hope and a way forward, even if it looks like you have everything together on the outside.

If you’re constantly overanalyzing, feeling on edge, or carrying the weight of past experiences, therapy can help you slow things down and regain control, empowering you to manage your thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Welcome! I'm Kristen, and I'm pleased you're taking this step toward your healing and growth. With a background in psychology and clinical counseling, I offer expertise in behavior modification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), anger management, group and individual therapy, and crisis intervention.

My experience spans a broad range of individuals, including children with special needs, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I also have specialized experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and incarcerated parents, as well as providing sex offender treatment.

I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.

I graduated with a BS in Education from Texas A&M in 1970 and Graduated from University of Houston/Clear Lake in 1990 with a Master's Degree in Counseling. I taught in the first Federally Funded Kindergarten program for economically deprived children in Texas. I taught kindergarten until 1989 when I became an elementary school counselor until retiring from the school system. I worked in an agency for one year before establishing my private practice. I now only work remotely. I trained in Heart Math, a medical tool to help calm the brain. I like to work with clients to minimize their negative thinking and shift to positive consciousness, using the writings of Dr. David Hawkins.

I'm a fellow millennial who gets just how tough "adulting" can be. Maybe your days are just passing by, life is feeling harder or less enjoyable than it should, or you do not have someone who "just gets you". Therapy is for everyone. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, or uncertain about which direction to take in life, I'm here to walk with you through it. Together, we'll explore where you are and where you want to go, at a pace that feels right for you.

What was your path to becoming a mental health provider?

I always had a desire to understand people and didn't realize there was a profession centered around my curiosity until college. I was also very intrigued with trying to understand my emotions growing up and because I struggled, I developed a desire to help others through their life challenges. I started providing support services to families and volunteers through a mentoring agency, which later led to interning at a psychiatric outpatient facility, to working with foster children providing therapy and to also growing my private practice here with Alma working with adults and children.

What should someone know about working with you?

I believe I am relatable and open to the sharing of myself with the understanding and expectation that you will be entrusting your vulnerabilities with me in session. I will challenge your thoughts, your patterns and your assumptions, and I give homework routinely as an extension of our time together to keep you active and engaged until we meet again.

How do you continue learning and building new skills?

I am committed to being a life-long learner. I take courses and trainings annually, listen to and learn from seasoned clinicians and try to stay afloat of new groundbreaking research related to treatments and techniques surrounding mental health.

"Success for me, is helping others create the wellness they desire."

I am a Army veteran and love helping people. I started this journey with my own mental health. I soon realized the power of this process. I did not realize I was always a counselor. It started as a Army Medic helping soldiers in Iraq and now I help everyone.

SOME WEEKEND AND EVENING AVAILABILITY.

Hello, and thank you so much for reaching out. I am a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor and have practiced mental health counseling for 6 years with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. I specialize in helping those with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and help learning self-care methods. People tend to see me as direct, compassionate, and insightful. Please reach out for any questions or information. I look forward to serving you. :)

I have over 30 years of experience in diverse fields of mental health. I love what I do and have a true passion to help people.

Education and areas of previous work:

MS from East Texas University 9 TX A&M

Post :Doctoral Program for Marriage and Family therapy

Co author/researcher for DSM IV family assessment training book to help resolve family concerns especially in the interest of the child